olymmath

IMO 2026 Problem 3

  • Day 1
  • Combinatorics
  • Answer

Let nn be a positive integer. Liu Bang and Xiang Yu have a stick of length 11 and want to divide it between themselves. Liu marks at most nn points on the stick, and then Xiang marks at most nn points on the stick. The marked points are distinct. Then, the stick is cut at all marked points, creating a number of pieces. Afterwards, they take turns claiming any unclaimed piece of the stick, with Liu going first. Each player's goal is to maximise the total length of their own pieces.

For each nn, determine the largest value cc such that Liu may guarantee a total length of at least cc, regardless of Xiang's play.

Official text IMO 2026 official English paper, page 1. Quoted with source.

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